Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal. Iran's decision drew criticism from the United States, which called them an 'unfortunate step backwards'.

Iran takes steps to make enriched Uranium metal, decision draws criticism

Talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are "closer to a deal," said a European Union (EU) official on Sunday after the latest meeting that wrapped up the previous six rounds of negotiations. 
 
"We are closer to a deal, but we are not still there," Enrique Mora, deputy secretary-general and political director of the European External Action Service, told reporters following a meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission, attended by representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran, Xinhua reported. 
 
"We have made progress on a number of technical issues. We have now more clarity on technical documents, all of them quite complex. And that clarity allows us to have also a clear idea of what the political problems are," Mora said, adding that they are "closer (to a deal) than one week ago." 
 
Meanwhile, all participants will travel back to their capitals for consultations. Mora said that he hopes that in the next round, delegations will come back "with clearer instructions, clearer ideas on how to finally close the deal." 
 
The EU diplomat also noted that this round of talks has taken place "against important political developments," citing the recent meeting of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the US officials in the EU-US summit and Borrell`s meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. 
 
"Welcomed progress made over last weeks, but difficult decisions remain. It is important to seize the political opportunity, and for all to be flexible. In view of today`s Presidential elections, I called for continued commitment by Iran," Borrell tweeted Friday after meeting with Zarif. 
 
Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran`s deputy foreign minister and top nuclear negotiator, told reporters before the meeting that documents for an agreement on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal are almost ready, the official IRNA news agency reported. 
 
"We are closer to an agreement ever than before, but bridging the gaps... requires decisions by the parties," he said, adding that some issues still need to be resolved. 
 
The US administration under former President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response to the US moves, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its JCPOA commitments from May 2019. 
 
The JCPOA Joint Commission began to meet in offline format on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions in view of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and on how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA.

Talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are "closer to a deal," said a European Union (EU) official on Sunday after the latest meeting that wrapped up the previous six rounds of negotiations.

Talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are "closer to a deal," said a European Union (EU) official on Sunday after the latest meeting that wrapped up the previous six rounds of negotiations. "We are closer to a deal, but we are not still there," Enrique Mora, deputy secretary-general and political director of the European External Action Service, told reporters following a meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission, attended by representatives from China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and Iran, Xinhua reported. "We have made progress on a number of technical issues. We have now more clarity on technical documents, all of them quite complex. And that clarity allows us to have also a clear idea of what the political problems are," Mora said, adding that they are "closer (to a deal) than one week ago." Meanwhile, all participants will travel back to their capitals for consultations. Mora said that he hopes that in the next round, delegations will come back "with clearer instructions, clearer ideas on how to finally close the deal." The EU diplomat also noted that this round of talks has taken place "against important political developments," citing the recent meeting of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the US officials in the EU-US summit and Borrell`s meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. "Welcomed progress made over last weeks, but difficult decisions remain. It is important to seize the political opportunity, and for all to be flexible. In view of today`s Presidential elections, I called for continued commitment by Iran," Borrell tweeted Friday after meeting with Zarif. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran`s deputy foreign minister and top nuclear negotiator, told reporters before the meeting that documents for an agreement on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal are almost ready, the official IRNA news agency reported. "We are closer to an agreement ever than before, but bridging the gaps... requires decisions by the parties," he said, adding that some issues still need to be resolved. The US administration under former President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response to the US moves, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its JCPOA commitments from May 2019. The JCPOA Joint Commission began to meet in offline format on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions in view of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and on how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA.

Talks to revive Iran nuclear agreement closer to a deal: EU official

Iran held its third an final presidential debate. Candidates spent more time discussing Iran’s nuclear deal in third debate, as another round to restore accord begins in Vienna. Watch the report to know more.

Iran Presidential Election: Presidential candidates hold third televised debate

The UN nuclear watchdog has voiced concern that Iran had not clarified queries over possible undeclared nuclear activity, adding that its enriched uranium stockpile was 16 times over the limit.

UN Nuclear watchdog concerned over undeclared Iran site

Tehran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to extend by a month&nbsp;an understanding that enables the United Nations watchdog to monitor Iran's nuclear sites.

IAEA made this announcement on Monday even as talks continue in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

"The equipment and the verification and the monitoring activities that we agreed will continue as they are now for one month expiring on June 24th, 2021," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Grossi told a news conference.

Iran in late February limited the IAEA's access to nuclear sites it has been monitoring as part of the 2015 landmark deal.

An agreement, reached on February 21 for a duration of three months, allowed some inspections to continue.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unclear-if-iran-ready-to-return-to-nuclear-pact-says-us-386959">Unclear if Iran ready to return to nuclear pact, says US</a>

Grossi said that besides extending that understanding, Tehran had also agreed that information collected so far by agency equipment in Iran would not be erased.

He said the outcome of this "long discussion" was "important" but the situation was "not ideal".

"We should all be reminded that the temporary understanding is a sort of stop-gap measure. It is to avoid flying completely blind," he said.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. But the deal began to unravel in 2018 when former US President Donald Trump withdrew USA from it and re-imposed sanctions on Iran.

Iran said Monday that talks in Vienna depend on a "political decision" by the US, after Washington questioned Tehran's readiness to return to compliance with the accord.

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unclear-if-iran-ready-to-return-to-nuclear-pact-says-us-386959">Antony Blinken had said it remains unclear</a> whether Iran is "ready and willing" to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multi-nation nuclear agreement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to extend by a month an understanding that enables the United Nations watchdog to monitor Iran's nuclear sites.

Tehran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to extend by a month an understanding that enables the United Nations watchdog to monitor Iran's nuclear sites. IAEA made this announcement on Monday even as talks continue in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. "The equipment and the verification and the monitoring activities that we agreed will continue as they are now for one month expiring on June 24th, 2021," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Grossi told a news conference. Iran in late February limited the IAEA's access to nuclear sites it has been monitoring as part of the 2015 landmark deal. An agreement, reached on February 21 for a duration of three months, allowed some inspections to continue. Also Read | Unclear if Iran ready to return to nuclear pact, says US Grossi said that besides extending that understanding, Tehran had also agreed that information collected so far by agency equipment in Iran would not be erased. He said the outcome of this "long discussion" was "important" but the situation was "not ideal". "We should all be reminded that the temporary understanding is a sort of stop-gap measure. It is to avoid flying completely blind," he said. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. But the deal began to unravel in 2018 when former US President Donald Trump withdrew USA from it and re-imposed sanctions on Iran. Iran said Monday that talks in Vienna depend on a "political decision" by the US, after Washington questioned Tehran's readiness to return to compliance with the accord. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said it remains unclear whether Iran is "ready and willing" to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multi-nation nuclear agreement. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran nuclear sites inspection agreement extended by one month, says IAEA

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that it was unclear Iran was prepared to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multination nuclear agreement. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew USA from the deal in 2017. Talks are on in Vienna in order to bring the deal back on track.

Blinken was asked about Iranian reports that Washington had already agreed to lift some of the sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy.

"We know what sanctions would need to be lifted if they're inconsistent with the nuclear agreement," he said on ABC's "This Week".

He added that more importantly, "Iran, I think, knows what it needs to do to come back into compliance on the nuclear side, and what we haven't seen is whether Iran is ready to make a decision.&nbsp;

"That's the test and we don't yet have an answer."

US President Joe Biden wants to revive the deal with Iran.

For that to happen, Washington must agree to lift the sanctions reinstated by Trump and Tehran must commit to follow the terms of the deal.

Once Trump walked away from the agreement, the Islamic republic started to abandon the constraints on its production of nuclear material.

European participants to the Vienna talks had expressed optimism as the latest round of negotiations wound up on Wednesday.

"We've made good progress," Enrique Mora, the European Union official who chaired the talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain and Iran, said in a tweet on Wednesday.

"An agreement is shaping up."

Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran have been going on in the Austrian capital since early April, with the other five countries that are signatories to the deal acting as intermediaries.

Diplomats are hoping to get the US back on board before Iranian presidential elections on June 18.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that it was unclear Iran was prepared to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multination nuclear agreement.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that it was unclear Iran was prepared to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multination nuclear agreement. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew USA from the deal in 2017. Talks are on in Vienna in order to bring the deal back on track. Blinken was asked about Iranian reports that Washington had already agreed to lift some of the sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy. "We know what sanctions would need to be lifted if they're inconsistent with the nuclear agreement," he said on ABC's "This Week". He added that more importantly, "Iran, I think, knows what it needs to do to come back into compliance on the nuclear side, and what we haven't seen is whether Iran is ready to make a decision. "That's the test and we don't yet have an answer." US President Joe Biden wants to revive the deal with Iran. For that to happen, Washington must agree to lift the sanctions reinstated by Trump and Tehran must commit to follow the terms of the deal. Once Trump walked away from the agreement, the Islamic republic started to abandon the constraints on its production of nuclear material. European participants to the Vienna talks had expressed optimism as the latest round of negotiations wound up on Wednesday. "We've made good progress," Enrique Mora, the European Union official who chaired the talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain and Iran, said in a tweet on Wednesday. "An agreement is shaping up." Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran have been going on in the Austrian capital since early April, with the other five countries that are signatories to the deal acting as intermediaries. Diplomats are hoping to get the US back on board before Iranian presidential elections on June 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Unclear if Iran ready to return to nuclear pact, says US

France said on Tuesday that there had been some progress in negotiations related to Iran's compliance on nuclear issues, but warned that there remained a lot still to do within a short time frame if efforts to revive a 2015 accord were to succeed.

France says little time left to revive Iran nuke deal

There could be an understanding within weeks on how Washington and Tehran might resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal but that depends on Iran making the political decision to do so, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said on Thursday. 
 
"Is it possible that we`ll see a mutual return to compliance in the next few weeks, or an understanding of mutual compliance? It's possible yes. Is it likely? Only time will tell, because as I said this is ultimately a matter of a political decision that needs to be made in Iran," the official told reporters in a telephone briefing.

There could be an understanding within weeks on how Washington and Tehran might resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal but that depends on Iran making the political decision to do so, a senior US State Department official said on Thursday.

There could be an understanding within weeks on how Washington and Tehran might resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal but that depends on Iran making the political decision to do so, a senior US State Department official said on Thursday. "Is it possible that we`ll see a mutual return to compliance in the next few weeks, or an understanding of mutual compliance? It's possible yes. Is it likely? Only time will tell, because as I said this is ultimately a matter of a political decision that needs to be made in Iran," the official told reporters in a telephone briefing.

Nuclear deal possible in weeks if Iran takes political decision: US

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal. US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks with each other over revival of 2015 nuclear deal.

"This time, we have gone into more detail," a senior US official said of the latest EU-led talks.

"We have provided Iran with a number of examples of the kind of sanctions that we believe we would need to lift in order to come back into compliance and the sanctions that we believe we would not need to lift," he said.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US under former President Barack Obama. Other world powers were party too. But Donald Trump unilaterally pulled US out of the nuclear deal during his presidency.

Iran has pressed for the United States to lift all sanctions imposed under Trump before it rolls back the steps Tehran took away from the 2015 deal in protest.

The US official said that the United States and Iran have not yet gone into detail on the question of who goes first.

But the official said: "We're open to different kinds of sequencing which meets our interest -- which is to see both sides in full compliance."

He declined to confirm a Wall Street Journal report that the Biden administration has voiced a willingness to ease sanctions on the Iranian finance and oil sectors.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier voiced optimism, saying that negotiations have made "60-70 percent progress."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal.

The US on Wednesday shared with Iran details of sanctions it was prepared to lift, as per a senior official quoted by AFP. The sanctions will be lifted if Iran returns to the nuclear deal. US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks with each other over revival of 2015 nuclear deal. "This time, we have gone into more detail," a senior US official said of the latest EU-led talks. "We have provided Iran with a number of examples of the kind of sanctions that we believe we would need to lift in order to come back into compliance and the sanctions that we believe we would not need to lift," he said. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US under former President Barack Obama. Other world powers were party too. But Donald Trump unilaterally pulled US out of the nuclear deal during his presidency. Iran has pressed for the United States to lift all sanctions imposed under Trump before it rolls back the steps Tehran took away from the 2015 deal in protest. The US official said that the United States and Iran have not yet gone into detail on the question of who goes first. But the official said: "We're open to different kinds of sequencing which meets our interest -- which is to see both sides in full compliance." He declined to confirm a Wall Street Journal report that the Biden administration has voiced a willingness to ease sanctions on the Iranian finance and oil sectors. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier voiced optimism, saying that negotiations have made "60-70 percent progress." (With inputs from agencies)

US gives 'examples' of sanctions against Iran it is ready to lift

The talks include all signatories to the deal — Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China, as well as Iran, with the United States participating indirectly.

Officials report progress at Iran nuclear talks in Vienna

Envoys participating in the negotiations to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran hailed progress of the talks on Saturday. The negotiations are going on in Vienna.

European Union envoy Enrique Mora said Saturday that "progress has been made in a far from easy task. We need now more detailed work".

Russian ambassador to Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov added that "participants took note with satisfaction of the progress made so far and expressed determination to continue negotiations with a view to complete the process&nbsp; 
successfully as soon as possible."

The discussions involved EU officials and representatives from Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran.

The talks are aimed at determining which sanctions the United States should lift and the measures Iran has to take in order to rein in Tehran's nuclear programme.

Iran delegation head Abbas Araghchi remarked on Telegram that "a good discussion took place within the joint commission.

"It appears that a new agreement is taking shape and there is now a common final goal among all," he added.

Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, confirmed Iran was now producing uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, taking the country closer to the 90-percent level required for use in a nuclear weapon.

"The enrichment of uranium to 60 percent is underway" in Natanz, he was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying. 
Iran has repeatedly insisted it is not seeking atomic weapons, but it has gradually rolled back its nuclear commitments since 2019, the year after Washington withdrew from the accord and began imposing sanctions.

The nuclear deal was struck with Iran in 2015. Doubts were cast on its longevity after former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Envoys participating in the negotiations to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran hailed progress of the talks on Saturday. The negotiations are going on in Vienna.

Envoys participating in the negotiations to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran hailed progress of the talks on Saturday. The negotiations are going on in Vienna. European Union envoy Enrique Mora said Saturday that "progress has been made in a far from easy task. We need now more detailed work". Russian ambassador to Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov added that "participants took note with satisfaction of the progress made so far and expressed determination to continue negotiations with a view to complete the process successfully as soon as possible." The discussions involved EU officials and representatives from Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran. The talks are aimed at determining which sanctions the United States should lift and the measures Iran has to take in order to rein in Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran delegation head Abbas Araghchi remarked on Telegram that "a good discussion took place within the joint commission. "It appears that a new agreement is taking shape and there is now a common final goal among all," he added. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, confirmed Iran was now producing uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, taking the country closer to the 90-percent level required for use in a nuclear weapon. "The enrichment of uranium to 60 percent is underway" in Natanz, he was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying. Iran has repeatedly insisted it is not seeking atomic weapons, but it has gradually rolled back its nuclear commitments since 2019, the year after Washington withdrew from the accord and began imposing sanctions. The nuclear deal was struck with Iran in 2015. Doubts were cast on its longevity after former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Envoys hail 'progress' over Iran nuclear deal talk

Iran and other world powers resumed talk in Vienna on Thursday to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks to revive the troubled deal have been complicated by Iran's decision to ramp up Uranium enrichment and sabotage at Natanz nuclear facility last week.

JCPOA talks resume in Vienna on Iran nuclear deal revival

Iran and other world powers resumed talk in Vienna on Thursday to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks to revive the troubled deal have been complicated by Iran's decision to ramp up Uranium enrichment and what it calls Israeli sabotage at Natanz nuclear facility last week.

The 2015 nuclear deal was struck with Iran by USA, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. Iran's refusal to hold direct talks with the US has had European intermediaries shuttling between separate hotels in Vienna last week.

Senior diplomats, excluding the United States, initially met to set the tone on Thursday in what diplomats anticipated would be a tougher round of talks to salvage the pact.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-programme-peaceful-mistake-for-us-to-express-concerns-rouhani-377735">Iran nuclear programme peaceful, 'mistake' for US to express concerns: Rouhani</a>

Two expert-level groups, seeking to marry lists of sanctions that the United States could lift with nuclear obligations Iran should meet, have now resumed their discussions.

"Currently I think the nuclear working group is more advanced, much more advanced, than (the) sanctions-lifting working group," Wang Qun, China`s ambassador to the U.N. atomic watchdog, told reporters after the Joint Commission meeting of senior officials.

"So currently we should do away with all disruptive factors, moving forward as swiftly as we can on the work of negotiation, especially by zeroing in on sanctions-lifting."

Iran`s foreign ministry said its negotiators had defended their decisions and expressed their disappointment at "the weak reaction" from European powers to the attack on Natanz.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran and other world powers resumed talk in Vienna on Thursday to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks to revive the troubled deal have been complicated by Iran's decision to ramp up Uranium enrichment and what it calls Israeli sabotage at Natanz nuclear facility last week.

Iran and other world powers resumed talk in Vienna on Thursday to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks to revive the troubled deal have been complicated by Iran's decision to ramp up Uranium enrichment and what it calls Israeli sabotage at Natanz nuclear facility last week. The 2015 nuclear deal was struck with Iran by USA, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. Iran's refusal to hold direct talks with the US has had European intermediaries shuttling between separate hotels in Vienna last week. Senior diplomats, excluding the United States, initially met to set the tone on Thursday in what diplomats anticipated would be a tougher round of talks to salvage the pact. Also Read | Iran nuclear programme peaceful, 'mistake' for US to express concerns: Rouhani Two expert-level groups, seeking to marry lists of sanctions that the United States could lift with nuclear obligations Iran should meet, have now resumed their discussions. "Currently I think the nuclear working group is more advanced, much more advanced, than (the) sanctions-lifting working group," Wang Qun, China`s ambassador to the U.N. atomic watchdog, told reporters after the Joint Commission meeting of senior officials. "So currently we should do away with all disruptive factors, moving forward as swiftly as we can on the work of negotiation, especially by zeroing in on sanctions-lifting." Iran`s foreign ministry said its negotiators had defended their decisions and expressed their disappointment at "the weak reaction" from European powers to the attack on Natanz. (With inputs from agencies)

Talks resume in Vienna on Iran nuclear deal revival

Iran's underground Natanz nuclear facility lost power just hours after starting up new advanced centrifuges. A spokesman for Iran's civilian nuclear program says an incident has struck the electrical distribution grid of the country's Natanz nuclear facility.

US-Iran Nuclear Deal: Accident at nuclear plant after centrifuge activation

The United States has said that it is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran in order to resume compliance with the nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact.

US: Ready to lift sanctions inconsistent with 2015 Iran nuclear deal

Iran and the United States have held indirect talks in Vienna to revive the embattled 2015 Nuclear deal. The officials from the five world powers also conducted the delicate diplomacy in Vienna.

US & Iran hold indirect talks in Vienna on reviving nuclear deal

The United States and Iran are expected to hold indirect talks in Vienna from Tuesday as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and other global powers.

US-Iran to hold indirect nuclear talks in Vienna today

US & Iran direct meet over Nuclear deal highly unlikely

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US. Talks on the future of Iran nuclear deal will begin in Vienna next week.

"The United States will not attend any meeting in which Iran is present, including the meeting of the joint commission (of the nuclear accord), and that is certain," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by the website.

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," tweeted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At virtual JCPOA JC meeting, Iran &amp; EU/E3+2 agreed to resume in-person talks in Vienna next Tues. 
 
Aim: Rapidly finalize sanction-lifting &amp; nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures. 
 
No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1377950244508475392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US and other world powers in 2015. Then US President Barack Obama had spent considerable political capital to bring other world powers including Russia to agree to the deal.

However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Though Biden administration has indicated that it will re-enter the deal, rounds of talks and some heavy diplomacy is likely to take place before that happens.

Also Read | US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran 
 
&nbsp;

Tehran says Washington has to lift international sanctions that were reimposed by Trump before it will make any moves to get back in line, and is refusing to hold direct negotiations with the US.&nbsp;

World powers and Iran have agreed to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold "separate contacts" with the US, the EU said.

Participants would meet in the Austrian capital "to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups", a statement said.&nbsp;

"The coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States," the European Union said, referring to the deal by its initials.

(With AFP inputs)

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US.

In a significant development just when world powers are charting up plans for the future of Iran nuclear deal, Iran has struck down hopes of a meeting with the US. Talks on the future of Iran nuclear deal will begin in Vienna next week. "The United States will not attend any meeting in which Iran is present, including the meeting of the joint commission (of the nuclear accord), and that is certain," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by the website. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," tweeted Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. At virtual JCPOA JC meeting, Iran & EU/E3+2 agreed to resume in-person talks in Vienna next Tues. Aim: Rapidly finalize sanction-lifting & nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures. No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 2, 2021 × Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by US and other world powers in 2015. Then US President Barack Obama had spent considerable political capital to bring other world powers including Russia to agree to the deal. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal. Though Biden administration has indicated that it will re-enter the deal, rounds of talks and some heavy diplomacy is likely to take place before that happens. Also Read | US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran Tehran says Washington has to lift international sanctions that were reimposed by Trump before it will make any moves to get back in line, and is refusing to hold direct negotiations with the US. World powers and Iran have agreed to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold "separate contacts" with the US, the EU said. Participants would meet in the Austrian capital "to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups", a statement said. "The coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States," the European Union said, referring to the deal by its initials. (With AFP inputs)

Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

"Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

"Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-iran-unveils-new-city-of-missiles-370991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work.

"France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region."

Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance.

But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Iran to stop aggravating the already grave crisis over its nuclear programme by multiplying violations of the 2015 deal with world powers on its atomic programme. "Iran must stop worsening the nuclear situation that is already serious by accumulating violations of the Vienna accord," Macron told reporters alongside visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. "Iran must make the expected gestures and behave in a responsible manner," he said. Watch | The new administration of US President Joe Biden has indicated it is prepared to re-enter the nuclear deal after Donald Trump walked out in 2015, but so far there has been no sign of any breakthrough as Tehran ramps up its nuclear work. "France is fully mobilised for a relaunch of a credible process to find a solution to this crisis," Macron added. "This means returning to a control and supervision of the Iranian nuclear programme while also integrating a control of Iran's ballistic activity in the region." Biden's administration has said it will rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions against Iran if it returns to full compliance. But Tehran rejected this precondition, pressing on with increasing nuclear work in retaliation for Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" sanctions policy to weaken the Iranian regime, which has had no official relations with Washington for four decades.

France's Macron urges Iran to 'stop worsening' nuclear crisis

UK PM Boris Johnson has unveiled a blueprint for Britain's future. WION's Palki Sharma decodes the 4 areas of importance: 1: Countering Chinese aggression 2: Indo-pacific tilt in foreign policy 3: Nuclear stockpile upgrade 4: New law against protests

Gravitas: Boris Johnson's blueprint for Britain

The United States should act quickly to revive Iran's nuclear deal because once Iran's presidential election period kicks off it is unlikely much will happen until later this year, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Monday.&nbsp;

Speaking at the European Policy Centre think tank, Zarif repeated Tehran's longstanding demand that Washington returns first to compliance by lifting sanctions.&nbsp;

Former US President Donald Trump abandoned the deal, known as the JCPOA, under which Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions. Since then, Washington has reimposed sanctions and Tehran has responded by violating some of the conditions of the deal.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden aims to restore the deal, but Tehran and Washington each want the other side to comply first.&nbsp;

"The Europeans are used to compromise. Iran and the United States are not. The Americans are used to imposing, and we are used to resisting," Zarif said. "So now is the time to decide will we both compromise and go back to the JCPOA, or will we go back to our own paths?"&nbsp;

Zarif said that he had seen no change between the Biden administration and the Trump administration's policy of maximum pressure to force Iran back to the negotiating table. He said he saw no reason to hold preliminary talks because the US was making 'extraneous' demands.&nbsp;

"There is a time constraint and that is once we go to our election, it is a lame-duck government and (it) will not be able to do anything serious and then, we will have a waiting period of almost six months," he said, referring to a presidential election due on June 18.&nbsp;

"It is advisable for the United States move fast and moving fast requires them not be shy, but takes measures that they need to take."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States should act quickly to revive Iran's nuclear deal because once Iran's presidential election period kicks off it is unlikely much will happen until later this year, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Monday.

The United States should act quickly to revive Iran's nuclear deal because once Iran's presidential election period kicks off it is unlikely much will happen until later this year, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Monday. Speaking at the European Policy Centre think tank, Zarif repeated Tehran's longstanding demand that Washington returns first to compliance by lifting sanctions. Former US President Donald Trump abandoned the deal, known as the JCPOA, under which Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions. Since then, Washington has reimposed sanctions and Tehran has responded by violating some of the conditions of the deal. President Joe Biden aims to restore the deal, but Tehran and Washington each want the other side to comply first. "The Europeans are used to compromise. Iran and the United States are not. The Americans are used to imposing, and we are used to resisting," Zarif said. "So now is the time to decide will we both compromise and go back to the JCPOA, or will we go back to our own paths?" Zarif said that he had seen no change between the Biden administration and the Trump administration's policy of maximum pressure to force Iran back to the negotiating table. He said he saw no reason to hold preliminary talks because the US was making 'extraneous' demands. "There is a time constraint and that is once we go to our election, it is a lame-duck government and (it) will not be able to do anything serious and then, we will have a waiting period of almost six months," he said, referring to a presidential election due on June 18. "It is advisable for the United States move fast and moving fast requires them not be shy, but takes measures that they need to take." (With inputs from agencies)

Time running out for US to revive nuclear deal: Iran's Foreign Minister 

Russia has called on the United States and Iran to take mutual steps and coordinate efforts to rejoin the nuclear deal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that to resolve the issue Iranians and the US must take synchronous steps.

Russia urges US, Iran to step up efforts on nuke deal

Iran has given encouraging signs about opening informal talks with world powers and the United States after European powers scrapped plans to criticise Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog.

Iran gives positive signals on informal nuclear talks

Iran has ruled out holding an informal meeting with the US and European powers on ways to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran cites inappropriate time for talks as the reason.

Iran rejects nuclear deal talks says time not suitable

Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has said that Iran might enrich Uranium up to 60% purity if the country needed to do so, adding that Iran will never yield to American pressure over its nuclear program.

WION Dispatch: Ali Khamenei says Iran may enrich Uranium up to 60%

Ali Khamenei says Iran may enrich Uranium up to 60%

After the Biden administration offered talks with Iran over the nuclear deal, foreign minister Javad Zarif said that the "US should unconditionally and effectively lift all sanctions or re-labelled by Trump."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-says-ready-for-talks-with-iran-to-revive-nuclear-deal-364659/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures," Iran's foreign minister added. The Biden administration had agreed to talk with Iran officials led by European allies on the nuclear deal after secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with his European counterparts.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
US acknowledged Pompeo's claims re Res. 2231 had no legal validity. 
 
We agree. 
 
In compliance w/ 2231: 
 
US unconditionally &amp; effectively lift all sanctions imposed, re-imposed or re-labeled by Trump. 
 
We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. 
 
Simple: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommitActMeet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommitActMeet</a>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1362650873407676419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The US allies have however insisted on compliance to the nuclear deal as a precondition.

"If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end," a joint statement from the four nations said. Iran had breached the nuclear deal in 2019 after the former Trump administration had walked out of the nuclear deal in 2018.

The Trump administration had imposed harsh sanctions against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-offers-talks-with-iran-over-nuclear-deal-364657"> Iran </a>targeting its banking and oil sectors even as it&nbsp;sanctioned its leaders. Iran has threatened to ban UN inspectors from inspecting its nuclear sites if the US does not reverse sanctions imposed by Trump.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany have urged Iran not to breach the nuclear deal further.&nbsp;

Iran has maintained that the sanctions should be taken back with Zarif insisting that "E3/EU must abide by own commitments and demand an end to Trump's legacy of economic terrorism against Iran".

After the Biden administration offered talks with Iran over the nuclear deal, foreign minister Javad Zarif said that the "US should unconditionally and effectively lift all sanctions or re-labelled by Trump.

After the Biden administration offered talks with Iran over the nuclear deal, foreign minister Javad Zarif said that the "US should unconditionally and effectively lift all sanctions or re-labelled by Trump." Watch: "We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures," Iran's foreign minister added. The Biden administration had agreed to talk with Iran officials led by European allies on the nuclear deal after secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with his European counterparts. US acknowledged Pompeo's claims re Res. 2231 had no legal validity. We agree. In compliance w/ 2231: US unconditionally & effectively lift all sanctions imposed, re-imposed or re-labeled by Trump. We will then immediately reverse all remedial measures. Simple: #CommitActMeet — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) February 19, 2021 × The US allies have however insisted on compliance to the nuclear deal as a precondition. "If Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, the United States will do the same and is prepared to engage in discussions with Iran toward that end," a joint statement from the four nations said. Iran had breached the nuclear deal in 2019 after the former Trump administration had walked out of the nuclear deal in 2018. The Trump administration had imposed harsh sanctions against Iran targeting its banking and oil sectors even as it sanctioned its leaders. Iran has threatened to ban UN inspectors from inspecting its nuclear sites if the US does not reverse sanctions imposed by Trump. The United States, Britain, France and Germany have urged Iran not to breach the nuclear deal further. Iran has maintained that the sanctions should be taken back with Zarif insisting that "E3/EU must abide by own commitments and demand an end to Trump's legacy of economic terrorism against Iran".

US should unconditionally lift all sanctions imposed by Trump, says Iran after Biden offers to talk

German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a conversation with Iran's leader Hassan Rouhani tells that 'Iran should return to nuclear deal'. Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said the German leader told Rouhani she was concerned that Iran was continuing to breach its commitments under the deal

'Iran should return to nuclear deal', tells Angela Merkel to Hassan Rouhani

Iran on Monday said that it will block snap inspection by IAEA from next week if other parties to 2015 nuclear deal don't fulfil their obligations.

"If others do not fulfil their obligations by Feb. 21, the government is obliged to suspend the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.

"It does not mean ending all inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog...All these steps are reversible if the other party changes its path and honours its obligations," he said, alluding to the United States.

Biden administration has already indicated that US would re-enter the nuclear deal. Donald Trump had pulled US out of the deal.&nbsp;

Under the deal, Iran agreed to curbs on its uranium enrichment programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.

After Trump quit and reimposed sanctions, Iran began violating some limits in the deal. Washington and Tehran now disagree over how best to restore the accord, with both sides demanding the other side act first to return to compliance.

Despite Iran's public hard line that Washington must take the first step, several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that the mounting economic pain of U.S. sanctions may push Tehran to be flexible on terms for restoring the nuclear deal.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said last week Doha was in consultations to help salvage the deal, and Iranian state media said he would meet Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran on Monday.

"We welcome efforts by friendly countries like Qatar ... There have been consultations between Tehran and Doha at various levels," Khatibzadeh said.

The nuclear deal granted wide-ranging access to the International Atomic Energy Agency to gather information on Iran’s nuclear activities. But under a law enacted last year, Iran's government is obliged to revoke that access on Feb. 21 if other parties are not complying with the nuclear deal.

 
&nbsp;

Iran on Monday said that it will block snap inspection by IAEA from next week if other parties to 2015 nuclear deal don't fulfil their obligations. "If others do not fulfil their obligations by Feb.

Iran on Monday said that it will block snap inspection by IAEA from next week if other parties to 2015 nuclear deal don't fulfil their obligations. "If others do not fulfil their obligations by Feb. 21, the government is obliged to suspend the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. "It does not mean ending all inspections by the U.N. nuclear watchdog...All these steps are reversible if the other party changes its path and honours its obligations," he said, alluding to the United States. Biden administration has already indicated that US would re-enter the nuclear deal. Donald Trump had pulled US out of the deal. Under the deal, Iran agreed to curbs on its uranium enrichment programme in return for the lifting of sanctions. After Trump quit and reimposed sanctions, Iran began violating some limits in the deal. Washington and Tehran now disagree over how best to restore the accord, with both sides demanding the other side act first to return to compliance. Despite Iran's public hard line that Washington must take the first step, several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that the mounting economic pain of U.S. sanctions may push Tehran to be flexible on terms for restoring the nuclear deal. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said last week Doha was in consultations to help salvage the deal, and Iranian state media said he would meet Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran on Monday. "We welcome efforts by friendly countries like Qatar ... There have been consultations between Tehran and Doha at various levels," Khatibzadeh said. The nuclear deal granted wide-ranging access to the International Atomic Energy Agency to gather information on Iran’s nuclear activities. But under a law enacted last year, Iran's government is obliged to revoke that access on Feb. 21 if other parties are not complying with the nuclear deal.

Iran threatens to block IAEA inspections if nuclear deal terms not met

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